Royal
Grand Palace & Temple of Emerald Buddha

This
city landmark should be the first place on any itinerary and
a 'must see' for all visitors to Bangkok. The Grand Palace,
once a royal residence is a huge compound surrounded by high
white walls and occupies an area of about a square mile, The
Royal chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo, is in the same compound, houses
the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand.

The
Royal Grand Palace : The Royal Grand Palace once a
royal residence is a huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road with
proud golden domes, inspirational spires, exotic wall mural
and breathtaking ceramic decorations, is surrounded by high
white walls and occupies an area of about a square mile. The
palace, begun in 1782, consists of several buildings with highly
decorated architectural details. The Royal Chapel or Wat Phra
Kaew famously known as Temple of Emerald Buddha is situated
in the same compound, it houses the Emerald Buddha, the most
sacred Buddha image in Thailand. The Grand Palace or Phra Borom
Maha Ratchawang for Thai is today used by the king only for
certain ceremonial occasions such as Coronation Day

Borombiman
Hall : a french inspired structure that served as a
residence for King Rama VI, is occasionally used to house visiting
foreign dignitaries.

Amarindra
Hall : was originally a hall of justice, but is used
today for coronation ceremonies.

Chakri
Mahaprasat : the largest triple-winged of the palace
buildings, literally Great Holy Hall of Chakri, but usually
translated as Grand Palace Hall. Built by King Rama V and completed
in 1882, there was some controversy during the construction
phase which resulted in this unusual design. Rama V had wanted
an entirely western look to his new home, but others in the
court felt that the king's residence and throne hall should
reflect Siamese motifs. So the original domed roof in the design
was replaced by a Thai-styled roof. It is interesting to note
that the Thai nickname for the building is the 'westerner with
a Thai hat'. The tallest of the Mondops, in the centre, contains
the ashes of each Chakri King who passed away; the flanking
Mondops enshrine the ashes of Chakri princes who never inherited
the throne.

Dusit
Hall : initially served as a venue for royal audiences
and later as a royal funerary hall.

Wat
Phra Keow : Also known as temple of The Emerald Buddha
- the temple dates back to 1782 when Bangkok was founded. Regarded
as the most significant of all Thai temples, the 945,000 square-meter
temple compound, which occupies one corner of the Grand Palace
complex, encompasses over 100 buildings that represent 200 years
of royal history and architectural experimentation. The temple
was built to house a green Buddha image that King Rama I had
brought from Vientiane when he captured the city in 1778. He
built the temple and enshrined the 'Emerald' Buddha there as
a symbol of Siam's regained nationhood. The "Emerald Buddha"
was carved from one piece of emerald green jade. The Buddha
figure sits high up on an altar of gold designed to represent
the traditional aerial chariot attributed to Hindu gods on the
murals of this country.
Today, thousands of worshippers pay their respects in front
of the statue.

Two seasonal
costumes were made for the Emerald Buddha by King Rama I,one
for the summer season and one for the rainy season. King Rama
III had another costume made for winter season. The ceremonial
changing of costumes takes place three times a year and is done
by his Majesty the King.

Despite
it's national importance, Wat Phra Kaew is the only temple in
Thailand that doesn't have any resident monks, therefore it
is not a seat of Buddhist learning in the same way that most
other Wats are in Thailand. It is basically the personal chapel
for the royal family.

On the upper
terrace, next to the Chapel Royal are three other very sacred
buildings: the Royal Pantheon, surrounded by gilded male and
female Kinaree, half-human figures, which hold the Tripitaka,
the sacred Buddhist sculptures; and the impressive golden Phra
si Rattana Chedi which houses ashes of Buddha

Price
Include :
- Return transfer from Bangkok major hotels by air-conditioned
vehicles
- Entrance Fees
- Experienced English speaking guides to explain history and
sights,
- Service Charge